4) Do I need an objective?

Well, objective statements are optional, so technically it’s your choice. If you use one, it should give focus to your resume, and tell the employer what you are seeking. Never use a “one size fits all” objective – tailor it to a specific position, or type of position you are seeking. Make it simple and to the point, don’t make it fluffy or over the top! If you are attending a career fair, or an event where you will be giving your resume out to multiple people, it’s a good idea to leave the objective off entirely. 

5) What if I haven’t had that many jobs while I’ve been in school? 

Be sure to think about ALL of your experiences.  Within your experience section, you can list both paid and unpaid activities, so don’t just concentrate on “employment”.  If you were an officer in a club or organization, or a member of a committee, then your work with these might be ones that you wish to focus and expand on in your resume.  If you haven’t done much, then get involved before it’s too late!

6) Do I need a portfolio, or can I include artwork or photos on my resume? 

If you have artwork, photography, or articles/writing samples that you would like to showcase, it is best to create a portfolio to house these documents.  Your resume should be text only.  If you would like, you could list at the bottom, “Portfolio Available Upon Request”. Then create your portfolio (you may have a hard copy, as well as an electronic version) that houses samples of your work.  A good website to use if you have no idea where to start is www.visualcv.com .